i could tell you you're beautiful
hell, i have before
a lot of times
and you still don't believe me
and i don't know why
but that's a lie
i know exactly why
because i used to think
i was ugly too
i was an ugly girl
with glasses and nobody
noticed me until i starved myself
down to a double zero because
they all kept bullying me for being fat
and now i'm an ugly boy
but that's okay
because even dead trees have the
ability to nurture beautiful
life out of their stumps
so no, i will not tell you
that you are beautiful because that
word is used so much and has so many
different definitions of what it is
and isn't that who is to say what
it really even means anymore
because to me
you are so much more than a pretty face
and kind words
you are the sunrise after a bad night
where i thought i would die
before the sun rose above the tree line again
you are the rain after
a scorching hot day that makes it too
hot to wear my binder
you are the forgiveness
after i tried to leave
and still you stayed
even when i kept on
trying to go
you are the food
that i am still learning not to
be ashamed about eating and enjoying
because weight is just a shitty social
construct like so many other things
you are the calm voice
and steady hands
holding my own shaking ones
when you bring me back
from my anxiety attacks
and promise me it will be okay
you are there
you are here
you are
you are
so much more than beautiful
you are my friend
my confidant
the love blossoming behind my ribs
the scars that wounds become
the pain and happiness and tears
you are so much more
than you think you are
